Regular Meeting: September 1999

The 1175th Meeting of the City Council was held September 2, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Mayor Berget called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance. Roll was called. Council members ^{Baker, Bauer, Johnston, Porter, Stephens and Thom, Deputy City Clerk, Beth Burrell and  Supervisor, Dan Thede were present. The minutes from the August Regular  were presented and approved.}

Mayor Berget opened the meeting requesting public comment on making Poplar Street, from Hwy. 2 to Main Street, Main Avenue from Cedar Street to Second Street, Second Street to Colorado Avenue through streets.

Unfinished Business

The request for through streets by Dan Mueller was denied.  Mr. Stephens made a motion that a 4-way stop be implemented at the corner of 5th Street and Main Avenue. Mr. Bauer seconded the motion. Passed. Mr. Fennessy stated that an ordinance amendment would be required.

Mr. Johnston made a motion that the Public Defender Memorandum Agreement be accepted. Mr. Bauer seconded. Passed

New Business

Mayor Berget explained that the county, due to their shortfall in funds, was requesting that the Cost of Living increase in the rents from the County Nurse’s office and Charlie Comer’s office be eliminated this year.  Mr. Johnston suggested that the matter be placed in the building committee for consideration.

Mr. James Rostorfer asked questions about the repairs being made on the water treatment plant.  Mr. Thede answered his questions and stated that the repairs were pretty much on schedule.

Mr. Ken Sorenson had a concern about the Youth Court Building being used for a shelter for troubled youth, the lack of parking space and traffic around the building into the late hours.  Mayor Berget assured him that the variance would be checked into and brought current if necessary.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Jane Thom, Cemetery/Parks reported that there have been 1400 visitors to Fireman’s Park so far this season.  The Park will be closed after Nordicfest.  Mr. Stephens commented that there is interest by the Libby Parks Board to look into putting money into a community pool, ball parks, etc.

Jane Thom, City/County Liaison, submitted the animal shelter report for the months of June and July.  she reported on the Airport joint project grant for improvement, the committee for the aged me this month and an invitation was issued to the council to have a meal at one of the Senior Centers.

George Bauer, Personnel, reported that an interview had been conducted in the search for a water treatment plant operator.  Nothing has been heard from the person interviewed at this time.

Chief Coker updated the council on the number of police calls answered for the month of August.  He has applied for a new COPS grant.  There is consideration of a park being used as a memorial to Officer Bockman, the only Libby Police Officer to be killed  in the line of duty.

Jane Thom, Water, made a motion that the Council write off accounts in the amount of $648.81 and turn them over for collection. Mrs. Porter seconded the motion. Carried.

Ed Baker, Sewer and Lights, commented that the state would be overseeing the lighting of the area near the new overpass on Highway 37.

Dan Stephens, Streets and Alleys reported that the chip sealing has been completed.  The council is asking for a list of contractors and equipment available for emergency needs.

judy Porter, Community Development/Public Relations, reported that Cynthia Stephens still need some information in order to complete the website.

Joe Johnston, Budget and Finance, reported that the first quarter numbers would be forthcoming soon.

It was moved, seconded and carried to pay claims as per claim approval list.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.